Policy gaps blamed for rising cases of Technological Gender-Based Violence in Kenya

With digital devices and tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), now deeply embedded in daily life and easily accessible across age groups, experts say technology-facilitated violations are evolving faster than existing safeguards.

These concerns were raised during a special visual exhibition titled “Beijing+30: Visualising Resilience, from Digital Safety to Bodily Autonomy,” organised by the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET).

The event marked the culmination of the global 16-day campaign and convened activists, policymakers, and development partners to reflect on emerging forms of violence and propose stronger protections.

The exhibition featured a mini museum of black-and-white portraits arranged to depict stories of resilience. Each image carried a bold “UNMUTED” tagline — a symbolic declaration by survivors and advocates rejecting the culture of silence that often surrounds gender-based violations.

FEMNET’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Lead, Maureen Anyango, noted that almost every African woman has encountered some form of violence at least once in her lifetime — whether directly or through supporting survivors.

Explaining the artistic direction of the exhibit, she said:

“Voices of 40 women from 16 countries are represented here. They came forward to speak about technology-facilitated violence — what they have experienced or witnessed. The black and white aesthetic emphasises that TGBV is still treated as a grey area. Tech companies focus on profit and end up enabling harm. Algorithms allow perpetrators to violate others and even be rewarded. We need accountability, and that begins with stringent policies.”

Representing the EU Delegation to Kenya, Mathew Brook, Head of Programs for Digital, Governance, and Macroeconomics, underscored the urgency for governments to regulate technology companies more robustly to protect citizens from harmful digital trends.

Beatrice Alukonya of UN Women urged partners to extend the campaign beyond the 16-day period:

“My call is that activism should not end today. Let’s collaborate to keep this year’s theme alive in our programs until the next campaign.”

FEMNET Executive Director Memory Kachambwa emphasised the need for sustained momentum, saying the fight against TGBV requires renewed urgency and collective action.

“This campaign honours courage and resilience while demanding accountability from radicalised capitalists and oppressive systems. We call on member states, digital platforms, policymakers and institutions to end violence against women and girls through visual consent photography and feminist storytelling.”

A major discussion point was children’s access to mobile phones, with stakeholders urging Kenya to consider restrictions similar to those in France and other countries that have banned phone ownership among children.

FEMNET Board Chair Carol Ageng’o argued that unregulated access exposes minors to harmful content.

“Our children are exposed online. They should not have phones unless supervised for learning. A reasonable age may be 16 — and even then, with supervision,” she said.

Ageng’o noted that while violence has always existed, technology has amplified its complexity and reach.

“We didn’t have social media growing up, and communities were more responsible for each other. Now, technology has introduced issues that are difficult to regulate. The positive change is that people now speak openly about sexual violence. Years ago, topics like incest were taboo. Law enforcement agencies need more training, and collaboration among like-minded organisations is crucial.”

UN Women and its partners are developing strategies to address TGBV, including pushing for global regulatory frameworks that can ensure safer digital environments for all.